RareCollections: DJ's on Disc

By David Kilby and Jordie Kilby

Australian DJ's have been cutting records for almost as long as there have been a radio stations and vinyl pressing plants. In fact it would be fair to say that Australia punches well above it's weight in terms of DJ's on disc. David and Jordie Kilby take a look at some of the great voices who have pressed their own platters.

Ken Sparkes kicked off a singing career in the late 1950's recording rock and country sides for Rex and Festival Records while establishing himself as a popular DJ on 2MG in Mudgee and then 2GB in Sydney. In 1965 he released this great version of the Jesse Stone track backed by popular Melbourne band The Strangers. Sadly it didn't hit the charts but remains one of the best in the DJ's on Disc genre.

Ward Austin - Emergency Ward - Parlophone - 1966

Ward Austin went by many names, including Pally, The White Knight and The Confederate Cowboy, during his very successful radio career at 2UW. He was a collector of all things Civil War and yes, he cut a record. Backed by Python Lee Jackson he hit the studio in 1966 for this tasty slice of Dylan infused pop.

Hey Baby - Long John - Festival - 1961

Long John is just one of the names that prominent DJ John Laws has used over his record breaking career. His first discs came out in the late 1950's and he continued through until the 1980's. The majority of his output is country influenced and several albums highlight his love of poetry. This tune is a little different though. Here he's backed by the Lawmen and they dabble in several tasty morsels of studio experimentation including some very early use of fuzz bass guitar.

Bite Your Bum - Peter Plus with Bazz and Pilko - Festival - K8238

In 1980 Joe Dolce had a huge worldwide hit with the song Shaddap You Face. At the time Bazz and Pilko were riding high on air as top rating breakfast announcers. Bazz (Barry Ion) rewrote the lyrics for this amusing parody that featured regular contributor to their programs Peter Plus. The flip side is a must hear version of Barry Manilow's hit Mandy.